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East Surrey detectives' appeal after tools worth more than £20,000 are stolen from construction site

Detectives from East Surrey CID are appealing for people to be on the look-out for tools which may have been stolen, after thieves escaped with equipment worth more than £20,000 from a construction site in Newchapel.

Officers are appealing for help, particularly from those involved in the construction industry, to help them track down the culprits who raided the site on Hobbs Industrial Estate.

A number of tools, including various cutting devices and specialist products designed for use on railways, were stolen in the break-in.

The alarm was raised by the manager of the site on the morning of Monday, March 24.

Investigating officer PC Michael Barker, said: "Either these items have been stolen to order by people in the construction trade, or they have been taken to sell on.”

He cautioned: "Anyone thinking they could save money by purchasing items like these at a lower price should be warned that they are security marked, and if we find them, they will be recovered and returned to their rightful owner. “In the long run, you are likely to lose out financially, and may even end up with a criminal record.”

PC Barker added: “If you have been offered them for sale I would appeal to you to contact officers with information.”

A Surrey Police spokeswoman said detectives are following up a number of enquiries, including checking CCTV footage.

Anyone with information on the break-in is urged to call Surrey Police on 101, quoting reference 45140022913. Alternatively, people can call the independent charity Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.